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Tense guide
Presente progresivo del subjuntivo (Present Progressive Subjunctive)

Language: Spanish
Tense:
Person:

Introduction

This verb form is used to talk about an action that is happening right now or is in progress, but there is some doubt, desire, or emotion connected to it. It combines the idea of "doing something at this moment" with a feeling of uncertainty or a personal reaction.

You use this form to express doubt or disbelief that an action is currently in progress. You are not sure if something is happening at this very moment.

Dudo que él esté escuchando.
(I doubt that he is listening.)
No creo que ellos estén viendo la televisión ahora mismo.
(I don't think they are watching television right now.)
Es posible que María esté estudiando para su examen.
(It's possible that María is studying for her exam.)
Quizás el bebé esté durmiendo ya.
(Maybe the baby is already sleeping.)

This form is used to talk about your hopes or wishes for what someone else is doing right now.

Ojalá que esté lloviendo en el campo.
(I hope it's raining in the countryside.)
Espero que te estés divirtiendo en la fiesta.
(I hope you are having fun at the party.)
Espero que mis amigos estén pensando en mí.
(I hope my friends are thinking of me.)

You can use this form to show your emotional reaction to an action that you believe is happening now. This includes feelings like happiness, surprise, or sadness.

Me alegra que tú estés aprendiendo español.
(It makes me happy that you are learning Spanish.)
Me sorprende que él no esté trabajando hoy.
(It surprises me that he isn't working today.)
Qué pena que ellos se estén perdiendo este concierto.
(What a shame that they are missing this concert.)

It is also used for making suggestions or requests about what someone should be doing at this moment.

Quiero que me estés prestando atención ahora.
(I want you to be paying attention to me now.)
El profesor prefiere que los alumnos estén escribiendo en silencio.
(The teacher prefers that the students be writing in silence.)

This form is not as common as other verb forms. It is used specifically to emphasize that an action is in progress while also expressing doubt, desire, or emotion about it.

Further explanations

Conjugation patterns